How to Buy a SIM Card at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) for Tourists: Where and Price

William Jones

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Published: July 2024

This post discusses how to buy a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) for tourists, as well as where to buy, what to pack, and which plans are ideal.

If you know where to go and what to pack, buying a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport won’t be too difficult. This guide will assist you in navigating the process, knowing the expenses, and looking into your options. Once you finish reading this article, you’ll be equipped to maintain connectivity on your journey.

I. How to Get a SIM Card at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)?

Here are 3 options for getting a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport, which can be obtained in three primary ways:

• Order online before and collect at the airport: Purchase your SIM card in advance through our website and pick it up upon your arrival at the airport. This allows you to avoid waiting in line and start using your phone right away.
• Buy upon arrival: Go to one of the airport’s numerous telecom operator shops or kiosks to pick up a SIM card right away. The personnel will assist you with setup and address any inquiries.
• Buy eSIM (if phone compatible with eSIM): If your phone is compatible with eSIM, you can purchase and activate a digital SIM card online in advance of your journey or at the airport.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Henri Coandă International Airport?

At Henri Coandă International Airport, with Terminals 1 and 2, hosts a selection of top telecom providers. Tourists can only buy a sim card at Henri Coandă International Airport on arrival from Relay Stores and Aelia Bucharest Stores . Here are some signs and notes to help make the process of purchasing a SIM card easier.

• The 4 Relay store, located on the corridor between the Arrivals and Departures Terminals, sells prepaid SIM cards. Top-ups for mobile phones can be obtained at the Relay store, the Post Office, and the SELF PAY location within the Carrefour supermarket.
• Aelia Stores located on boarding gate access area for internal departures
• The staff can assist with activation and speak English.
• When you register, make sure your passport is ready.

Here are the main spots to grab SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport:

1. Relay store        

At the Henri Coandă International Airport, there’s a reputable convenience store called Relay where you may buy SIM cards.

• Location: on the passageway between Arrivals and Departures Terminals
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM.
• Price: Buying a SIM card at the airport is generally more expensive than in the city. For example, Orange prepaid: 25GB data + unlimited min for 1 month – ~$14

2. Aelia Bucharest store

Another retailer at the Henri Coandă International Airport is called Aelia, and they sell a variety of devices, including SIM cards.

• Location: Boarding gate access area for internal departures
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM.
• Price: Price starts for $5 – $10. For instance, Vodafone prepaid: 150 GB data + 2,000 minutes for 28 days ($13 USD)

III. Do SIM card shops at Henri Coandă International Airport open after midnight?

No. Henri Coandă International Airport’s SIM card stores have specific hours and might not be opened after midnight. If you arrive late, there’s a chance that SIM cards won’t be accessible at Henri Coandă International Airport. Remember that these times are subject to change, so it’s a good idea to confirm the most recent information before arriving at Henri Coandă International Airport.        

IV. Henri Coandă International Airport SIM card Price ?

The best SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport options are shown below, along with an estimate of how much they typically cost:

V. Registration Process on Buying a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport

To buy a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest Otopeni Airport), you typically need to provide the following documents:

• Passport: This is a standard procedure to verify your identity.
• National ID card: Some countries issue national identity cards that can be used instead of a passport. Check if your national ID card is accepted for purchasing a SIM card in Romania.
• Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may also need to present a visa along with your passport. However, for purchasing a SIM card, the passport itself is generally sufficient.
• An unlocked phone: Bring an unlocked mobile device that functions on European cellular networks.
• Payment options: Have cash or a credit card ready for purchase, although not all vendors accept card payments.

The registration process for buying a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport, can be perceived as complex by tourists who are reluctant to disclose personal information such as passport details. This requirement is due to local regulations that mandate SIM cards be registered to users’ identities.

For those who would want to avoid this effort is to purchase an international Romania SIM card online before departure or opt for an eSIM. These options eliminate the need to show a passport or undergo registration in person at the airport.

Romania SIM cards are conveniently activated upon arrival in Romania, as they are pre-registered. They often provide affordable pricing for texts, calls, and data across several nations, offering flexibility and convenience without registering SIM cards locally.

Likewise, eSIMs, which are embedded directly into compatible devices, offer similar benefits of convenience and ease of use without the need for physical SIM cards or passport verification at purchase.

Before making the switch, verify that your phone is compatible with eSIM and that your carrier supports its activation. Here are the essential points to consider:

• Confirm if your phone model is compatible with eSIM (many newer iPhones and some Android devices are)
• Verify if your carrier provides eSIM activation services (not all carriers do, so it’s important to check)
• Purchase an eSIM plan that includes coverage for Europe (research the most suitable options based on your requirements)

VI. eSIM at Henri Coandă International Airport – Alternative to Romania SIM Card

Orange, Vodafone and Telekom Romania all offer tourist eSIM plans directly at Henri Coandă International Airport. However, you should consider purchasing an eSIM online before arrival for a stress-free trip.

Travelers to Romania have two options for buying eSIM online: buying from the mobile network operators or eSIM retailers such as Gigago. Online retailers often offer a wider variety of plans and easier steps. Travelers should buy from a reputable retailer for a better experience.

Gigago offers a variety of affordable eSIM plans for travelers in Romania, with prices starting from $3.00 – $95.90 . Even with the lowest Gigago Romania eSIM plan for $3.00 , you’ll get 500MB of data to use over 3 days.

VII. FAQ about SIM Card at Henri Coandă International Airport

VIII. Conclusion

Purchasing a SIM card at Henri Coandă International Airport offers a convenient way for tourists to stay connected upon arrival in Romania. By understanding the available options, locations, and price ranges, travelers can make informed decisions to suit their needs. Remember to compare plans and prices to find the best deal that fits your travel itinerary and data usage requirements.